Rondo will be owed nearly $12 million next season and close to $13 million in 2014-15. The rest of those legitimate point guards remain free agents.

On Thursday, Comcast Sports Net New England writer A. Sherrod Blakely tweeted that the Mavericks now expect the Celtics to move forward with a Rondo trade, considering 36-year-old Brad Stevens now serves as Boston's head coach.

To better gauge the free-agent banter surrounding Oden, it's important to understand the star-crossed center's worth. According to reports, Oden's troubled knees appear to be on the mend, at least for the time being, and he seems to be in great shape.

The former No. 1 pick, who hasn't played a game since December 5, 2009, boasts averages of 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 82 career games. The 7'0", 285-pounder has worked out in Columbus and Indianapolis during the offseason.

The Cavs are said to be out of the so-called Oden “sweepstakes,” according to Fox Sport's Sam Amico. The Celtics probably stand no chance next to the Spurs, Heat and Grizzlies, either. But who knows? Grabbing a wild card like Oden could be a huge play if the price is right, especially if in so doing, they keep the Heat from landing an athletic big man who still, if healthy, has a big upside.

Other than that, it's so friggin' boring in Boston. Rondo wants to stay with the team. Brad Stevens can't wait to bond with his players. The Celtics don't look to make serious moves in the free-agent market.